Seems New Mexico appropriate that the first week of spring would bring us snow. And even more so that it would come at night and be gone by next midday. Snow or no, allergies are still raging:
The March election results were certified on Tuesday. Congratulations to all the newly elected municipal officials. 36% of Corraleños voted, the highest percentage in Sandoval County. By contrast, Rio Rancho had a 14% turnout and only 16 people voted at all in San Ysidro. Rather discouraging, isn’t it?
Watch Laura Paskus tonight on NM in Focus (7-8 pm on KNME-TV), as she reports on the Harvey Jones Channel Improvement Project. You may remember the Nature Conservancy partnered with Corrales, Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District (MRGCD), Southern Sandoval County Arroyo Flood Control Authority (SSCAFCA), City of Rio Rancho, and Bureau of Reclamation to improve the outfall and restore roughly 10 acres of riparian habitat. If you miss her report, catch it later online.
Another conservation success is the completion of the 2018 Farmland Easement Bond. Here is a wonderful link from the company that helped secure the easements, including beautiful pictures of the conserved properties. https://mailchi.mp/34fccadf2931/conservation-real-estate-is-here-5103381. The 3-acre Lopez farm is now being operated by Fraction Farms, a non-profit that grows food for those in need. https://fractionfarms.org/.
This Sunday, Corrales Historical Society Speakers Series presents former State Senator Dede Feldman enlightening us on the colorful history of our New Mexico Legislature. Old Church. 2 pm. FREE
It was good to see all the currently and newly elected officials together this past Tuesday night for a work study meeting. Many thanks to outgoing Councilors Kevin Lucero and Tyson Parker. Congratulations to incoming Councilors Rick Miera, John Alsobrook and returning Councilor Mel Knight. The Official swearing-in will take place Thursday night, March 31st, at 6:00 pm in Village Chambers.
The New Mexico Finance Authority has approved the 2020 GO Bond application. Bond counsel will now lock in interest rates for the Village Council’s consideration and approval in April. After approval, issuance and sale, the Village will receive $1,935,000 and go to work on the renovation of the Recreation Center which was overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2020.
The Rio Rancho Observer did a lovely feature store on our very own Fire Commander Tanya Lattin in their March 21st issue. You can read the article here: https://rrobserver.com/commander-seeks-to-meet-needs/
This is my last message to you as Mayor. For the past 4 years, we’ve accomplished so much together and I’ve enjoyed reaching out to you every Friday. In a small way, I hoped to foster a positive sense of community and showcase the achievements of the Village. Thank you Melanie Romero for your help. Many of you have told me the Mayor’s Message made you feel more connected to Village life. I’m so glad.
As the Village moves into a new administration, you can be sure the Village employees will continue to work diligently for all of us. And I have every confidence your new Mayor and Council will do their best on behalf of our community. There will always be challenges, but we’ll figure them out, because this is our unique and beloved home.
It’s supposed to be in the mid to high 70’s this weekend! Dig out your tee shirts and explore outdoors. Shop Local: https://visitcorrales.com/. Watch March Madness and/or the 94th Annual Academy Awards on Sunday. For Oscar predictions, see: https://chicago.suntimes.com/movies-and-tv/2022/3/18/22985016/roeper-oscar-predictions-2022-beat-the-critic-contest. It’s been an honor to serve as your Mayor. I look forward to seeing you around the Village and let’s all stay safe and enjoy ourselves, Corrales-style.
Jo Anne Roake
Mayor of Corrales